Supervisors set 2% pay increase for elected officials after heated debate; initial 0%/auditor proposal fails

After extended public discussion and testimony from multiple elected officeholders, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted to give a 2% salary increase to elected officials and their deputies for fiscal year 2026.

Discussion of elected officials' compensation began when the board opened agenda item C on setting elected officials' wages. Assistant County Attorney Joshua Woodman advised the board that, under current statute, one-time payments described as "stipends" can become part of an official's base salary in future years and that the board could not reliably create a true one-year spike without creating a carry-forward amount.

County Auditor Michelle Scaff and County Treasurer Tina Bertrand spoke for increases directed at deputies, arguing deputies perform essential, public-facing work and that vacancy and workload pressures have left offices strained. Treasurer Tina Bertrand said, "I'm going to advocate for at least a 3% increase, not just for myself, but it does impact the deputies in my office." Auditor Michelle Scaff likewise asked the board to consider the workload and recruitment challenges facing her office.

A first motion, to set elected-official raises at 0% for all offices except a 4% increase (and associated stipend discussion) for the auditor, was moved and seconded but failed on a recorded vote (nays: Supervisors Bittinger, Dietrich and Carper; ayes: Supervisors Ang and Nelson). The board discussed potential savings from cutting the compensation board's recommendations: County staff said fully implementing the compensation board recommendations (as submitted) would total roughly $138,980 including benefits; reducing those recommendations to a 3% level would reduce the cost by about $56,000.

After further discussion and additional public remarks from officeholders about staffing and recruitment, Supervisor Bittinger moved — and the board approved — a 2% across-the-board increase for elected officials and deputies (motion passed with supervisors Carper, Dietrich and Bittinger voting in favor; Supervisor Anna Nelson opposed). The board record shows the change will be covered from county funds and will not change the current levy because the property tax revenue projections had already been adjusted.

Board members and elected officers emphasized the trade-offs: some supervisors sought to lead by example and accept 0% to conserve reserves for taxpayers; others argued modest increases were needed to retain staff and avoid higher recruiting costs or service disruptions. The board recorded the motions and directed administration to reflect the approved percentages in the adopted fiscal year 2026 budget.